📝 What is Schizophrenia | For the Nursing Student

🧠 Definition: Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Individuals with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality.

📝 Symptoms:

💭 Positive Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, movement disorders.
🌑 Negative Symptoms: Reduced emotional expression, lack of pleasure in everyday life, difficulty beginning and sustaining activities, reduced speaking.
🔄 Cognitive Symptoms: Poor executive functioning, trouble focusing or paying attention, problems with working memory.

📝 Causes:

🧬 Genetics: Family history of schizophrenia can increase the risk.
🧪 Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals such as dopamine and glutamate.
🧠 Brain Structure: Differences in brain structure and central nervous system.
🌍 Environment: Exposure to viruses, malnutrition before birth, problems during birth, psychosocial factors.

📝 Treatment:

💊 Medications: Antipsychotics are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment.
👩‍⚕️ Psychosocial Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, social skills training, supported employment.
🏥 Hospitalization: May be necessary during acute episodes or severe symptoms.
🤝 Support: Family and peer support play a crucial role in managing the condition.

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